Truck kills Sycamore bicyclist

Police: Driver was passing car at the time of crash

SYCAMORE – A bicyclist was killed Thursday morning after being struck by a car on Mount Hunger Road.

About 6:30 a.m., a 2008 Chevy Silverado pickup truck headed east in the 16000 block of Mount Hunger Road in Sycamore struck a bicyclist who was westbound, said Chief Deputy Gary Dumdie with the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office.

The bicyclist, John M. McGrath, 38, of the 17000 block of Mount Hunger Road, was riding from his home to work in Sycamore.

The truck was driving in the westbound lane and was in the process of passing another eastbound car when it hit McGrath, Dumdie said.

McGrath was pronounced dead at the scene by the DeKalb County Coroner’s Office about 7:15 a.m., Dumdie said.

The driver of the truck, Kerry B. Cook, 50, of the 100 block of Nichols Drive in Sycamore, said he did not see McGrath on the road, which has little shoulder area, Dumdie said. The right front side of Cook’s truck was damaged.

Although that part of the road does allow traffic to pass, Cook was cited for improper overtaking on the left. Dumdie said authorities don’t anticipate any additional charges, but the accident still is under investigation.

McGrath was not wearing a helmet. His bicycle had reflectors but no lights, which are required for the predawn time when McGrath was riding, Dumdie said.

“Any time vehicles are required to have headlights on, bicycles are required to as well,” Dumdie said. “... It’s for their own safety to use proper equipment, and extra equipment if they feel they need it.”